Flying start for Larbert’s Callum

Callum Limond who is an apprentice with J & J Bathrooms

Jill Buchanan

Apprentice Callum Limond is one of almost 500 young people supported by Skills Development Scotland on their career path.

The 18-year-old left Larbert High School in fifth year for a job with J & J Bathrooms of Falkirk.

But his bosses recognised that a college course would help him progress and the teenager contacted the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) for advice. They were able to help him with his application for a Modern Apprenticeship in wall and floor tiling at Edinburgh College.

Callum said: “I hadn’t even thought about going to college and without the help from CITB I wouldn’t have known where to start.

“Once I finish, I hope to continue working for this company before opening up my own business one day.”

Anne Mollison, CITB training officer, said: “Callum has a brilliant attitude, is very dependable and always gets great reviews at college. We are still working with him to support him through his Modern Apprenticeship and make sure he is on track to do well.”

Funding from Skills Development Scotland’s Employability Fund was used to provide Callum with the support he needed to take that next step.

The body supported 489 people in Falkirk like Callum between April 1 and September 30 last year to become Modern Apprentices, while giving careers advice, support and guidance to 3131 others in the area.

Gordon MacDougall of SDS said: “Youth employment is a key priority for us and we will continue to use our range of services to support more young people into work.”

Businesses looking for more information can call the employers’ helpline on 0800 783 6000 while the careers helpline can provide support on 0800 917 8000.